If there was ever a year to sort out the running game, this appears to be it. The early talent at running back and the interior O-line truly stands out.
It’s just a shame the Seahawks are going to have to find a way to manufacture picks on day two to truly capitalise.
The defense is going to get a makeover. That seems inevitable. You could make a big case for making-over the O-line too and finally getting it sorted. Isaiah Wynn and Billy Price are fantastic prospects. Frank Ragnow could produce some of the old-school toughness and physicality perhaps lacking since Max Unger’s departure. The Seahawks have been linked to interest in Austin Corbett. There are other prospects worthy of consideration on the second and third day of the draft.
If you wanted to make some big changes you could do. How confident are they in the incumbents to provide a solution? Will a new coach in Mike Solari provide a catalyst for progress? How do they feel about Justin Britt and Germain Ifedi? It’s probably too early to make any kind of judgement on Ethan Pocic but is he considered a long term fixture now? Has he shown enough to warrant that kind of backing?
Nothing should be off the table this off-season. And that’s probably true at many positions.
Running back similarly provides an opportunity early. They’re probably going to sign a hedge of some description in free agency. They almost have to. Depending on the interest he receives, Carlos Hyde remains a decent shout.
For a while now it feels like the Seahawks have been trying to create a double-headed monster similar to the New Orleans Saints. A tough inside runner paired with a more versatile weapon. The initial internal excitement over C.J. Prosise felt genuine. It hasn’t worked so far for Prosise but it most certainly did for the Saints with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Chris Carson and Hyde would provide good competition for the ‘Ingram’ role. They could then go for a dynamic partner like Ronald Jones II. That would provide a highly exciting backfield — one to feel confident about moving forward.
Alternatively they could target two running backs in the draft to fill those holes (especially if Jones II is off the board, which needs to be considered given his incredible and underrated talent). Could they, for example, look to bring in Nick Chubb to be the thunder and someone like Akrum Wadley to be the lightning?
Here are the two possible scenarios:
— Sign Carlos Hyde, pair him (plus Chris Carson) with Ronald Jones II as an early pick
— Draft Nick Chubb and Akrum Wadley (for example) to compete with Carson, focus on O-line (Wynn? Price?) or defense first.
It’s hard to make a proper projection because it feels like there’s so much that needs to happen first. What picks will they acquire? Which veterans will move on? It’s just a shame they’re going to have to replace picks rather than add.
For that reason doing mock drafts at the moment feels more useful for other teams than Seattle. That’ll likely be the case until well into free agency, when we know what’s happening with the likes of Earl Thomas etc.
I do think, whatever happens, we’ll see the running game and offense addressed early with a focus on defense later on. This is how the first iteration of Pete Carroll’s vision was created. And while many of the national mocks and pundits will focus on potential high profile defensive departures (Bennett, Sherman, Thomas perhaps), this is a team that backs itself to coach up and develop a defense. They’ve got the track record. And that’s likely why they’re reportedly investing time in watching Jessie Bates III — looking for the gems in rounds 3-7, just as they did in 2010-11.
Here’s the mock draft with trades (detailed below):
#1 Cleveland — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
#2 NY Giants — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
#3 Buffalo (via Ind) — Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
#4 Arizona (via Cle, Hou) — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
#5 Denver — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
#6 New York Jets — Bradley Chubb (EDGE, NC State)
#7 Tampa Bay — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
#8 Chicago — Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
#9 LA Chargers (via San Fran) — Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
#10 Oakland — Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
#11 Miami — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
#12 Cincinnati — Orlando Brown (T, Oklahoma)
#13 Washington — Tim Settle (DT, Virginia Tech)
#14 Green Bay — Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
#15 Cleveland (via Ari) — Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
#16 LA Rams (via Bal) — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
#17 San Francisco (via LAC) — Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
#18 Atlanta (via Sea) — Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
#19 Dallas — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#20 Detroit — Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
#21 Indianapolis (via Buf) — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
#22 Indianapolis (via Buf, KC) — Harold Landry (LB, Boston College)
#23 Baltimore (via LAR) — James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
#24 Carolina — Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
#25 Tennessee — Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
#26 Seattle (via Atl) — Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
#27 New Orleans — Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
#28 Pittsburgh — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
#29 Jacksonville — Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
#30 Cleveland (via Min) — Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
#31 New England — Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
#32 Indianapolis (via Phi) — Kerryon Johnson (RB, Auburn)
Trade details
Buffalo trades #21, #22 & #53 to Indianapolis for #3
The Bills move up to draft Sam Darnold
Arizona trades #15, #47 & 2019 R1 to Cleveland for #4
The Cardinals move up to draft Josh Rosen
LA Chargers trade #17, #84 and 2019 R1 to San Francisco for #9
The Chargers move up to draft Baker Mayfield
LA Rams trade #23 & #87 to Baltimore for #16
The Rams move up to draft Derwin James
Atlanta trades #26 & #90 to Seattle for #18
The Falcons move up to draft Maurice Hurst
Cleveland trades #33 & #161 to Minnesota for #30
The Browns trade up for Derrius Guice
Indianapolis trades #36 & #163 to Philadelphia for #32
The Colts trade up for Kerryon Johnson
Notes
— Teams aggressively traded up to get at the quarterbacks a year ago. That could happen this year too. The Bills and Cardinals need a solution and aren’t expected to be in the running for Kirk Cousins. The Chargers need to think about the future (Philip Rivers is 37 this year) and Baker Mayfield would generate some much needed excitement for the franchise in LA.
— I genuinely believe Ronald Jones II is a legit option for the Seahawks, possibly with the #18 pick. He is a fantastic prospect. I also wanted to do a mock where he’s already off the board. Thus, he ends up in San Francisco here.
— The Seahawks made a deal with Atlanta a year ago so we know they’re willing to work together on a mutually beneficial trade. This deal allows Seattle to acquire a third round pick and move down before drafting Isaiah Wynn to fill the left guard spot.
— We don’t know what picks the Seahawks are going to have in rounds 2-3. If they do trade some of their veteran players, they might be able to acquire some day two picks. For this kind of scenario to work, presumably they would have a way to land one of the remaining running backs (for example, Nick Chubb). It seems very unlikely that they’ll come out of the draft without one of the highly regarded RB’s. The running game is too much of a need and the talent pool too strong in the first three rounds.
— I don’t think it’ll be much of a shock if teams initiate some cheap trades to get back into the late first round to get at the running backs.
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Wynn looks like a foundational player on the OL. And it’s not just about the running game. Wilson’s development is at stake as well. How much are you going to improve/regress with multiple players in your face milliseconds after the snap. We need a Wynn on that line.
He’s Trai Turner. An undersized mauler that plays with a ton of effort. Fun player. Will prove a ton of teams wrong like Turner and likely end up a pro bowl talent.
Is Turner really undersized? 6’3″ 320..
Love Wynn but I’d take Connor Williams there.
Skkkkrrrrrrrr
I have no problem with Wynn if they are planning to trade back up into round two to get a running back. If they trade for an extra pick or two by trading a veteran, I would love to draft Billy Price and then take a back. I also want to toss a name out there for a second time. Harold Landry. Not a perfect player, but his 2016 was much healthier and obviously better. He could team with Frank and Jordan to form a fearsome pass rush rotation, and when they go to nickel they can have Frank slide inside, ala Bennett. I wouldn’t go first round necessarily, but between the late first and possibly top 40-43, he would have some definite value there. So yeah, we still don’t know what they want to do in terms of squiring picks, but if you’re going to trade or release some high-salary veterans, use the money and draft capital correctly. Possibly tag Sheldon, acquire more day two capital, and come away with a guard, running back, and possibly Landry. Young defensive core with some solid to excellent veterans, and finally, finally some decent guard play.
It’s really interesting to see how varied the grades/projections on Jones II are. Walter football has him as the 9th RB. Tony Pauline’s site has him 6th. On NFL.com, Chad Reuter has him going 37th, and neither Jeremiah, Brooks, or Zerlein has him going in the first.
Do we think this is one will the draft community will catch up on him? Or will teams stay cool on him due to his size? He looks like one of the 10 or 15 best players in the draft to me.
In fairness though, Jeremiah and Zierlein both rank him among the top-15 players in the draft.
So I suspect neither having him early in the mock drafts is a ‘running back’ opinion rather than a review of Jones’ talent.
Fair enough. I wonder then if that cautious approach to taking running backs early will be refletive of what teams do in April.
I am seeing a lot of analysts still putting Guice firmly 2nd.
I think that Guice’s grade will probably change after the combine, sounds like he’s not expected to put up great numbers. I could see him fall like Dalvin Cook last year. A lot of draft analysts had Cook #1 or #2 last year but he ended up falling into the 2nd round if I remember right, after Fournette and McAffrey.
“It seems very unlikely that they’ll come out of the draft without one of the highly regarded RB’s. The running game is too much of a need and the talent pool too strong in the first three rounds.”
Rob please don’t take this as anything but wanting to strengthen the blog but last year you wrote immediately after the draft that we all got hypnotized a bit by the strength of the draft. If I recall it was over all the great DB’s available and there was a lot of shock/surprise when the Hawks bypassed King, etc and took Griffin later.
It kind of feels like a lot of us are locked in to OL/RB as an absolute certainty early. I can completely understand that with the depth and quality you’ve posted about recently matching the Hawks roster needs.
It might prove fruitful to keep highlighting some of the great defensive prospects out there early (the Derwin and Tremaine Edwards posts were fantastic), as well as keep digging on the mid-round RB and OL options so we (and by we I mean me) stay well rounded.
Nothing but love for this place!
I think my point was though (apologies if I’m mistaken, can’t really remember!) that we got hypnotised into thinking there was a chance the Seahawks might break from their own philosophy, which appears to be to wait on cornerbacks. They’ve never taken them early. And the depth at CB allowed them to continue that trend.
I think this is different — because the cornerback depth genuinely stretched into round four a year ago. I think the depth at RB and OL is very good but might not last that long. Plus, they’ve taken players at RB and the OL earlier than they’ve taken a CB (second round pick on a RB, multiple R1 picks on the OL).
They might go defense in R1. It’s possible. I think we’ve done a good job covering some of the options on that side of the ball (multiple Derwin James articles, pieces on Edmunds, Settle, Davenport, Bryan, Carter etc).
I don’t buy Calvin Ridley as a top 10 pick. If you can prove to me he is every bit the prospect that Amari Cooper was, then I’ll buy it. From everything I understand about him, he’s a solid player but unspectacular at the same time.
I’m not a big Calvin Ridley fan either. A lot are though — for example Lance Zierlein ranks him as one of the top six players in the draft http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/tracker?icampaign=draft-sub_nav_bar-drafteventpage-tracker#dt-tabs:dt-by-grade/dt-by-position-input:rb
Given the limited options at WR this year, I could see a team going for him early. And it only takes one GM to share Zierlein’s view for that to happen.
Same. Seems like a skill set you could find in UDFA.
I think the key here is the idea that only one GM needs to see him as a top prospect (ala Amari Cooper) to get him drafted early, especially given the trend recently towards early WR picks in general and a relatively weak WR class this year.
CommonManFootball which uses some interesting metrics for their analytic models calls Calvin Ridley the most overrated WR in the draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCqm4KGznn0
Yes on Wadley. I absolutely love him. Watched every game I could find on him (12) and only one bad piece and one mediocre piece. His stiff arm at the end of runs is great. Will play a long time at the next level due to his ability to make guys miss and create for himself.
His games against Nebraska and the ‘PC loves them Jim Harbuagh Michigan guys’ team is must see.
He’s very complete for a small back. Really big part of their offense
Check him out on his IG today he was training with none other than Kerryon Johnson.
Akrum on IG: topdogwadley
Kerron Johnson on IG: kj_hey
He’s just a guy. He’s limited in his speed. Lots of wiggle but he’s just a rotational back for me.
Interesting. I’m curious what games you watched. He had several long runs where he put the burners on. I know there was a 75 yard touchdown against Purdue where he outran everyone. His tape looks great, he has good burst and great lateral quickness. Plus he shows good vision, which is one of the most valuable attributes in a back, at least in my opinion. He does rely a little too much on the spin move, I don’t think that will be as effective at the next level but hardly a deal breaker. I think the Kamara comp isn’t unreasonable, Kamara has obviously proven to be a special player so it might be a lofty one, but they definitely have similar running styles. I guess I’m surprised you came away unimpressed is all.
Here’s a good thought exercise:
What would you REALISTICALLY want in a trade for these defensive players?
Earl Thomas
Richard Sherman
Michael Bennett
KJ Wright
For me:
Using: https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp
Earl: I’d want around 1000-1200 in draft value. If CIN wanted to send over Pick 12 this year. That would get it done. If CLE sent 33, 35, and the first pick in Round 4? I’d do it. If PIT sent 28 and 60, I’d probably still do it, even though that’s only 990 in draft value. If LAC sent 17 and 84? I’d do it.
Sherman: Trade value is probably shot, but hopefully you could get 200-300 in draft value. I’d move Sherman in a heartbeat for a late 2nd or a early 3rd. I’d settle for a late 3rd.
Bennett: I’m hoping you could get 100-150 in value, so a late 3rd or early 4th, but that’s probably too rich. I’d settle for a late 4th or 5th rounder. I think teams think we’ll cut him though, so probably no value here.
KJ Wright: I’d move for around 500 in draft value (1 pick only). I wouldn’t settle for less though, as I think KJ is worth letting play out his deal and his cap hit isn’t bad. Plus our LB depth is atrocious, so it would create a big hole. A mid-to-high second rounder could find us a cheap replacement though, so I’d consider it.
Earl: 1st (top 15) and a 3rd
Sherm: Realistically I’d be happy with a 4th because of age and injury
Bennett: 3rd or 4th
KJ: 3rd or 4th
I’d want a R1 for Earl.
Preferably R2-3 for Sherman.
Not sure you’ll get anything other than a late rounder for Bennett. More likely to be cut I think to give him the chance to decide his next move.
K.J. is locked in to stay with the team IMO.
Rob, why a 1st for Earl? I’d rather have 33, 35, and the first pick in Round 4 from Cleveland (1,242 in draft value) versus a first from Pick 20-32 (850-590 in draft value). Is it a prestige thing or having the flexibility to move around?
If NE offers pick 95 for Sherman, do you do it?
I agree with you on Bennett.
Why do you think KJ is locked? The fact that we have no LB depth or some other reason?
Cleveland isn’t making that offer and the Seahawks are trading him to Cleveland.
KJ is staying. Nailed on. Great value, one of the few who just gets on with it.
Yea, where did all this TRADE KJ talk even come from anyway????
I don’t think we can get a R1 for Earl. I think a high R2 and a R4 (or player) is more realistic. Cleveland is one of the few teams I think a trade would work out. They have plenty of picks AND cap space.
I don’t think we could get more than a “conditional” for Sherm. All depends on his recovery.
Same with Bennett. If the Hawks keep him I think he would make a great pass rush specialist (keep his snap counts down). Definitely has to work on his off sides penalties though. If not corrected that could really shorten his career.
KJ will retire a lie long Hawk.
They won’t trade him to Cleveland. The browns won’t make the offer either. He won’t sign an extension to play for them.
I agree. And that’s part of the reason I don’t think we should trade him. I wouldn’t want anything less than a 1st rounder for Earl and I just can’t see any team paying that at this stage in his career, especially in a contract year.
Say they trade all these guys and Kam and Avril retire? They walking into next year with 27 year old BWagz as the ‘vet?’ That’s a ton of pressure for your 2nd best player on the roster who already has a ton on his plate due to his position.
I know they’ll get younger on D for sure, but I think we’re forgetting that when Pete originally constructed this team he brought in vets like Lawyer Milloy and Chris Clemons for a reason.
I’m starting to believe that level of change is possible — but I also think they’d bring in some replacement veterans (albeit younger veterans). Eric Reid being a possible option to play next to McDougald, for example. Sherman and Earl are the two big question marks I think. The two where the most intrigue lies, in terms of what happens this off-season.
Reid makes so much sense. He and Mcdougald would be a solid safety duo IMO. Not Earl and Kam but let’s stop even talking about truly replacing those guys. You can’t! Doesn’t mean you can’t still have a dominant D.
+1
I think if they make sweeping changes to get younger on the D, it’s through the draft and free agency.
I agree. Keep Earl and Sherman unless your hand is absolutely forced. Move on from Kam, Avril, and (possibly) Bennett. Earl and Sherman are still two of your best five players, IMO. I think Sherman had a bounce back season on and off the field and is one of this team’s most important leaders.
Agreed. Sherman’s game has never been reliant on game-breaking athleticism or speed. His rise to prominence and elite play was always predicated on pure football IQ, technique, and physicality; his decline will be much more gradual than other, more athletic CBs like Peterson. Even coming off of the Achilles injury, I think Sherm will be more motivated than ever to secure his place as a HOF CB and to win another ring.
Yeah, I think Sherman is a pretty safe bet to play at a high level through his early thirties. A little more risk with Earl – what happens to his game if/when he loses a step? He’s probably more valuable in our scheme though, and hasn’t lost that step yet.
For me, extending Sherm is a no brainer, as long as you can get out of it in a few years. Earl is a little less certain, but I’d extend him too, if possible. Keep building around your stars.
Keep Sherman trade Earl for me. When the Hawks hit the field they are tapping in on a motto that say’s we are all in. Is Earl all in. I have to Question that….
His antics stick in my craw man. To me that’s worse than Sherman being discordant and getting into his coaches face’s. Which by the way are all gone now. Sherman is a Passionate player and Pete loves him. He is also an excellent coach on the field who I think has a very long future with the Seattle Seahawks. You might ask yourself why the Hawks haven’t hired a DB coach currently although I think they will bring in a stopgap. I also think Sherman would make a helluva head coach. Pete Carroll passion to boot. Just need’s to tone er down a bit. That comes with experience and AGE…..
Earl- 1/4, or a 2/3 and 2019 2nd. The latter would make standing pat @18 possible (eminently more palatable for PCJS) and could potentially lead to adding the moat impactful rookie since Russ.
Sherm- A conditional 2019 (4 that can turn into a 3 based on % of Defensive snaps played).
Bennett- What Rob said
KJ- If a team wants to offer a top-25 pick, you have to think about it. Otherwise he stays.
I think that is a team can get Earl to sign an extension, Seattle can probably get a R1 and mid round pick for him. If not, then I think they are probably looking at a R2 pick, and a mid rounder.
With Sherman being 30 years old coming off an achilles tear, I can’t see a team offering much of anything.
I think their are teams out there that would probably value Bennett’s pass rush enough to maybe give up mid round pick.
I don’t see the team trading KJ, but if they did, I don’t think they’d get much more than a mid round pick. He’s a solid linebacker, but he’s not a pass rusher, and he’s not really that young anymore. I think he is worth more to Seattle than a lot of other teams.
1st rounder minimum for Earl, even if it’s a 2019 pick.
Sherman starts the season as a Hawk but is a possible trade deadline deal to a contender. If he’s at full strength it’s not hard to see at least a 3rd rd pick for him.
If these guys get traded they are going to teams that believe they are one of the final pieces to the puzzle. Doubtful it would be to a Cleveland.
Earl has value whether you keep him or trade him. On the other hand Sherm is much more valuable to the Hawks. He’s always been a good healer and he doesn’t depend on speed. He’s only 29 and I think he can still be a top cornerback for another three or four years in Seattle’s system. His injury means you’re not going get commensurate trade value. It all depends on what he’s going to demand for an extension but his injury and age may make his price more reasonable. Sherman and Earl must either be extended or traded.
KJ is only 28 and we don’t have an up and coming linebacker to jump into his spot. I wouldn’t trade him.
3 years of Sherman and Griffin playing across from each other? Yes please.
I think there is a good deal of discrepancy between what we SHOULD get for Earl and what we COULD get for Earl. I, like many other fans, would want a first round pick at minimum if we trade him. But he is 29 and going into a contract year. I just can’t see a team giving that kind of a return for a guy at this stage in his career, even if he is a special player. Maybe I am completely off base (very possible) and if we were able to get say a 1 and a 4, I am completely on board. I just don’t think it is realistic. And if we can’t get at least a 1, I don’t think he should be traded.
Spent some time watching Dalton Schultz (TE, Stanford) today.
Big possibility/option for the Seahawks. Maybe an even better blocker than Durham Smythe.
Round three? Perhaps.
I really like him too as a classic Y TE. He helped spring a lot of Bryce Loves big runs. Curious how he tests because really did not look explosive. Smooth mover with good hands and can run routes.
There are some good 3-5 round options at TE.
Maybe a better blocker than Smythe, who looks like a tackle as an in-line blocker? That’s saying something. I’m excited to watch some of him.
Anyone have a link or so on David Wells, TE, San Diego ST? I found one film that was difficult to watch, but he looked dominant as a blocker, and Tony Pauline says he catches well. Possible late 3d day pick, big, tough, and underrated.
Not a lot of dedicated videos for Smythe or Schultz easily found online, but from what I’ve seen, Schultz is a good blocker, but not in Smythe’s class. He moves better though. Both are very interesting.
I have posted that I thought this TE class was vastly underrated and there is good depth. A bit of everything, pick your poison. 🙂
Added him to my watchlist after C-Dog mocked him to us in his epic season preview the other day.
In case anyone missed it, definitely go back and take a look!
https://seahawksdraftblog.com/running-backs-in-review#comment-360308
Yea, that was awsome by C-Dog. Would liked to have seen a safety in the mix. Saw the UDFA Duck, though.
Yes! I like to watch some Stanford film every off season. Love this guys game. Great blocker. Good route runner. Good hands. Very Zach Miller like. Always says something to me when a guy like this, in an offense where everyone in the world knows what they are going to do(run it and throw to TE), still produces. Execution is under-rated and was missing in Seattle last year. Didn’t watch much Smythe so i cant compare
Depends what scheme the new OC will use. Stanford seemed to be a conservative offence, maybe that’s exactly our fit. To me, Ryan Izzo (Florida st) is a laterounder with good blocking and pass catching skills, that would be equally interesting.
There are a lot of hidden gema in this draft, including a shutdown corner from Wisconsin, Nick Nelson, nobody seems to value. Early to middle third round.
Rob what are your thoughts on Ziggy Anzah? If he checks out medically I think I would sooner spend FA money on him than Sheldon Richardson.
A Edge rotation of Clark, Jordan and Anzah sounds like a young dynamic group to me.
I want Malik to come back and ball so hard. His college tape was so much fun to watch.
That would certainly be a huge help.
Bit concerned about his age (29 in May) and think he’ll be too expensive.
He is a dynamic edge rusher, I would LOVE if we could get him, but I think the asking price will be too high. One of the teams with tons of cap space will probably hand him a large sum of money.
On another note, I really hope we don’t sign Richardson. I think he will command at least $15M annually and even though I like his personality, he just strikes me as a player who could mail it in once he gets that kind of money.
To me it all comes down to cost, if he is able to get a $15M+ APY Deal from another team for a few years, gotta let him walk. If he gets a deal closer to Poe’s last year, the single year prove it deal at ~$10M, I’d want to keep him for that. I think he’s really good, didn’t have the raw stats to bear it out but I think he made us a lot better on the line and with Bennett potentially going away, even more reason to try to keep him if we can afford to.
Very true. I would be on board for the kind of deal if we could somehow make that happen. It’s true it is tough to know what kind of interest some players will receive on the open market.
Hey King Rajesh, Im just replying to you from the other post. Yes they can cut Bennett right now as a post June 1st designation and he will be a UFA but his cap space wouldn’t be available to them until May 12th.
710 radio talking heads have been locked onto Price as the pick at #18.
Did some digging on him…. and he is a consensus probowler and out side all-pro prospect.
A big time leader on the team, even though he was OL….. he may not be a steve hutchinson per se, but he could have that kind of impact on the OL.
I’d be happy with either Wynn or Price. At worst, you’re getting a good, multi-year starter who will give your offense an attitude and toughness.
I like Price but aren’t teams projecting him as a center? I’m sure he’s capable of playing both but isn’t that why SEA drafted Pocic in the 2nd last year?
he played guard most of his games but moved to center last year after pat elfein went pro
Who’s been talking him up on 710? I’d like to have a listen.
Price is legit.
I thought think I’ve heard Brock talk him up in the past.
Brock mentioned him as an option, and talked up his game, but I don’t think he was locked onto him
Rob thank you for your spirited defense of running backs matter on the podcast. I don’t not understand this new age thought that the run game doesn’t matter.
It’s football rhetoric. It’s taking over!
🙂
The recent declaration by this guy is interesting, I can only imagine broadcasters tying to pronounce his
name. He will be at the combine & although no tape, has decent stats, so maybe worth watching.
LB-Joel Iyiegbuniwe, (ee-yay-boo-nee-way), W. Kentucky, 6-006/230, projected UDFA w/up arrow.
2017: 13-games, 117-tkls, 54-solo, 11.5-TFL, 2.0-sacks, 1-PBU, 2-QBH, 3-FF.
Career: 40-games, 200-tkls, 107-solo, 22.5-TFL, 6.5-sacks, 4-PBU, 7-QBH, 4-FF
May be a Rd-7/UDFA consideration?
It’s always reasonable to pair the Hawks with a pass rusher. Arden Key is a very polarizing figure who could go in the top ten or drop to the middle of round two. If we trade down and he’s available at end of round 1 or top of round 2 Pete’s going to want him.
He kind of has the Malik McDowell feel about him. I think for sure he could be a target.
Would you guys rather get a LG from free agency or the draft?
As long as he’s an upgrade, doesn’t really matter to me. Given the interest in Corbett and the depth of guard in this draft, if I had to wager, I would put my money on them drafting the position again.
I would love to see them add Wynn in the Draft as he is a Day #1 starter at can back up the LT spot as well.
Then add Fluker in free agency to come in and compete for the RG spot and backup the RT position as well.
Our OL would be set for the foreseeable future and a strength of the team IMO.
2018 OL
LT Brown / Backup Fant
LG Wynn / Backup Rees
C Britt / Backup Pocic
RG Fluker or Pocic / Backup Roos
RT / Ifedi / Backup Fant or Fluker
Lots of mocks on the web now, and it is amazing to me how many of them project us to go for an OT (McGlinchey) or a defensive back, usually James. It reflects the superficial views of many of the writers around the league, who don’t have the depth or our boy Rob. We took 4 DB’s last draft, and added a couple of contributors from free agency. A #1 on a DB? I would have to withdraw into an ascetic state to reorganize my brain cells.
An OT when we have some promise there, and the draft is heavy with interior linemen, and we have needs inside? Gaaaah! As I have said, I am not really a fan of zone blocking, especially since limits have come on cut blocking, although I have not complained much, and I do not have animosity toward our departed coach, but I tend to favor a power system, a little less finesse and a little more knock them down. Not sure that is what we are getting, probably not, but at least another view could help. We seem to have the athletes.
This is an awful time. No games. The Combine is weeks away. Our players are inactive and getting fat. We are all just waiting for the next doughnut theft, or its equivalent, and I have reverted to watching college BB. How about them Huskies!
Ah, shut up, ObS
I dont see a DB or an OT for us. Possibly James and maybe a OG but definitely not a CB.
I like it OBS!!! I think we will see a lot of power blocking this year. They brought in the right coaches to make the right transformation.
An OT could make sense if they move Ifedi to guard. But the tackle options aren’t that appealing and I’d prefer to just leave Ifedi outside.
Although I think there is no way the Hawks keep their 18, and don’t trade down, without a trade, here is a rip at one with RoJo and a sentimental twist of united twins:
RB RONALD JONES II
USC
122: R4P20
DL TIM SETTLE
VIRGINIA TECH
143: R5P4
WR D.J. CHARK
LSU
148: R5P9
TE DURHAM SMYTHE
NOTRE DAME
170: R5P31
LB SHAQUEM GRIFFIN
CENTRAL FLORIDA
226: R7P8
OT AUSTIN CORBETT
NEVADA
248: R7P30
P JK SCOTT
ALABAMA
250: R7P32
DL JUSTIN JONES
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
That would be as amazing as it is impossible!
I see that most of you thinks that ET’s value is 1st round pick. I agree with you, but I was shocked when I saw tweet from Jason OTC who said late 2nd or early 3rd.
I think it depends on whether a team agrees on a deal with him. If so, they would probably be more inclined to offer a 1st. If not, then probably looking at a 2nd rounder and change. I actually think there could be a pretty sizable market for him for teams the feel they are close to a championship and want that one player to put them over the top. I think he’s underestimating that.
Brown, Price or Wynn, Pocic, DJ Fluker, Fant.
Trade Britt and Ifedi for picks between 50 – 70 range. One for 2018 and other for 2019 pick.
Or we can trade only Britt. It will be only 2,5 mil against cap this season.
Fluker is not that good. What does it cost to sign him? Do you also lose a comp pick if you sign him?
Who knows if Fant is even an average tackle? Can he play the right side? Is he better than Ifedi? How do you know?
And you won’t get a top 75 pick for either player. Rare for traded players to get a first or 2nd round pick, unless they are really good. No one will pay a lot for a Seahawks o lineman.
Highly doubtful that Pocic will be a better centre at this point than Britt.
pretty sure they will let Solari sort out the mess and they are counting on him to improve their play. I do not see them signing an expensive o lineman, and I doubt they draft one with their first 2 or 3 picks. They have used a lot of draft capital already and those players are still young and they have a lot of other areas to fix and very few good draft picks this year.
Yeah, you can’t really count on any of these guys outside of Brown and Britt. We need talent, depth, and competition. I say let Ifedi and Fant compete at RT, and let Pocic, Odiahmbo, Roos, a FA, and a draft pick compete at the Guard spots.
Rob. A discussion article on possible team turnover might be good. Personally having a hard time coming to terms with letting go of 3-5 pro bowlers
It’s mostly a salary cap issue. You are rolling the dice extending guys past their primes. We’ve seen contracts for Lynch, Bennett & Chancellor come back to bite, hampering the team with dead money. I don’t want to say goodbye to any of them but it’s inevitable.
“3-5 (expensive, aging, injured, mostly former) pro bowlers.”
I love the players too, but this is just the reality of the NFL. I hope PC-JS find a way to both do right by the players while also doing what’s best in the interests of the team. Close one championship era and open another.
Hi Ukhawk — some of the reasoning is detailed here https://seahawksdraftblog.com/why-the-defense-has-to-be-younger-jones-ii-charles
I think coming to terms with all this is harder because of all the ways that the contracts have come back to “bite” us. With the three you mentioned you have a retirement (kind of), injury/off field distraction (though still productive) and a career ending injury. Considering those outcomes you could talk yourself into either side. Personally my guess is that they will see retirement and injury as outside their control and make the decision on fit and performance. Meaning they keep Earl and Sherm.
rumors have started that Brady will skip OTS’s unless he gets “Garoppolo money” according to the Boston Globe
I guess he is human. Now maybe he can show the normal decline of a 40 year old person in a sport where all the other 40 years play like they are 40?
the whole “he always takes less to help the team” is not true. He has been the highest paid QB a few times, but people focus on his salary and not his cap number. His career earnings are similar to Drew Brees, and Brees was a higher draft pick, was franchised once and was a Free Agent. But the narrative around Brees is always he takes more so the team has less. And Brady was not “the GOAT” in his first 5 or 6 years in the league. The first 3 championships were won with defense (and maybe some unknown help???).
This is a chart I did in 2017, showed earnings up to 2016 I think. Every other QB except Romo had a big jump on Brady because their first contract was much more than his.
Flacco $85.800,000 8 years
Brady $162,779,000 16 seasons
Palmer $138,127,242, 13 seasons
Manning, P $248,732,000, 18 seasons
Manning, E $187.700,000 12 seasons
Brees $150,455,000 15 seasons
Rivers $151,000,000 12 seasons
Roethlisberger $140,000,000 12 seasons
Romo, $118,900,000 13 seasons
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/09/the-boston-herald-likely-will-be-retracting-a-patriots-story-again/
hmm, I guess everything on the internet is NOT true???
so are you saying this one from Florio about Russell using his trade to the Yankees as a threat to the Seahawks to give him more money may not be true either?
http://www.nbcsports.com/video/russell-wilsons-trade-yankees-may-be-message-seahawks?ls=pftvod
losing my faith in humanity when you cannot trust internet media sources anymore:)
I would wager that article is purely speculative. I heard Salk talking about the same thing on 710, that he thinks it’s something Russell could bring to the table for negotiations. They said the same thing last time though, I don’t really think it’s that deep.
it is possible. I mean the Yankees could pay Russell a million or so to be a 29 year old rookie league prospect and probably never sniff the major leagues
the Hawks can pay him around $30 million a year and he can win another SB or 2 and go into the HOF
going to be a tough decision for him, and I am sure JS is pretty nervous about it
I think the teams who could have legit interest in Earl are
Chargers- Bradley is the OC and knows what Earl Brings to the table. They are in desperate need of a FS and have all the other pieces for a dominant D. Definitely in Win now mode with move to LA and Rivers age. How sweet would it be to have picks #17 #18.
Jags- On weakness on that D was at S. That D would be sick with Earl roaming CF. Pick # 29 and #125 in the 4th would do the trick.
Falcons – Make sense scheme and need wise but I don’t see the Hawks trading Earl in the NFC.
Cowboys- Earl clearly would like to go there I just don’t see a fit cap space wise for the Cowboys.
“Cowboys- Earl clearly would like to go there I just don’t see a fit cap space wise for the Cowboys.”
I didn’t see Seattle having the cap space to add both Sheldon Richardson & Duane Brown this season. Lo and behold both happened. If Dallas & Seattle agree on compensation the cap space will materialize. Earl can sign an extension, people can be cut or restructured.
1. Gimme 1:19 and Chidobe Awuzie and I’d make that trade with Dallas seven days a week. Fills the need for CB depth with a dynamic young player who has played with Tedric Thompson before.
2. Trade 1:18 for Cleveland 2:33 + 2:63.
3. Draft Price or Wynn at 1:19, find a way to pick up RJIII with the early second or trade back into the 1st if needed to get him.
4. Use 2:63 on DL (hopefully Tim Settle or a DE has dropped)
5. Drink heavily if steps 1-4 don’t happen.
Imagine if the Jags sign Cousins and then make this trade for Earl… watch out, league!
I think the Chargers make a ton of sense. They wouldn’t be able to grab their QB heir this year, but maybe they go all in while they still have Rivers like you suggest.
If the Cowboys want him, they can make room. They can trade a pick and player. If Seattle parts ways with Bennett, Dallas could add Tyrone Crawford who David King probably makes expendable.
I’m curious what people think about spending a day-3 pick on Bo Scarbrough? To me, he seems like an excellent ball of clay that can be molded into a workhorse. High ceiling for a power back, but needs to learn.
Day 3? Sign me up.
He has been underwhelming, but I think that’s good value if we could get him with one of our R5 picks.
Found this stat FWIW that at least intrigued me for our scheme (supposing we continue mostly Zone):
For me thats the perfect day 3 pick.
All upside if he has an acceptable combine or workouts for us
I was thinking get Rashaad Penny after trading back for clevelands second round 2 pick and their first 3rd and 4th and then taking Boe as a late round back for goaline and short yardage situations. This minimizes his workload and gives us a big back that we know can truck
I think last season was incredibly frustrating for Pete Caroll as the Hawks had no identity and were soft. They certainly did not look like a Pete Carrol coached team. That is why we have basically seen a complete overhaul in the coaching staff.
How about this scenario. Pete and JS see teams like Jags, Vikings and Eagles all exceling with dominant D and cheap QBs. Pete says to JS didn’t we win with that formula as well? Do we really want to pay Russ $30 mil + to try and extend him next year? Why not call your buddies Doresy and McCloughan in Cle. They have been told priority #1 is a franchise QB this off season. JS calls Browns and says Russ for picks #1, 4, 35. Dorsey bites the bullet and makes the deal.
Hawks then trade Earl to Chargers for #17
Finally Hawks make (4) Draft Day Round #1 trades.
#1 to Jets for #6 +37 +49 + 1st in 2019
#6 to Bills for #21 +22+ 56
#4 to Cards for #15 + 47 and a 1st in 2019
#15 + #37 to + 49 to Bucs for #8
2018 Hawks Draft (1st and 2nd Round)
#8 Tremaine Edmonds (LB/ V-Tech)
#17 Derwin James (S/ FSU)
#18 Vita Vea (DT / Wash)
#21 Lamar Jackson (QB/ Louisville)
#22 Ronald Jones (RB/USC)
#35 Isiah Wynn (LG/ Georgia)
#47 Arden Key (Edge/ LSU)
#56 Arden Tate (WR / FSU)
+ 2019 1st Round Pick from Cards and Jets
2018 Hawks Draft (Day #3)
#116 Durham Smythe (TE / ND)
#132 Azeem Victor (LB / Wash)
#137 Holton Hill (CB / Tex)
#159 Shaqueem Griffin (LB / C FLA)
#200 Brandon Facyson (CB / VTech)
#209 Eddie Pinero (K/ FLA)
#224 Michael Dickson (P/Tex)
The Hawks D would be ridiculously good in a year with this influx of young talent.
On offense Hawks would run the ball 30+ times a game with Lamar Jackson and Ronald Jones being home run threats on every carry. Then sprinkling in some deep shots to give Pete that explosive offense he wants. If Jackson does not pan out then you still would have (3) 1st round picks next year.
I want to be clear I don’t think there is even a remote chance this could happen but it was fun to play fantasy world GM like Browns fans can do this draft season.
It’s a fun scenario. Word has it that John Schnieder is married to Russell Wilson, thinks he is the best football player on the planet, and wants to build the team around him. Hence, the new coaching hires, and the pending exodus on defense.
The best part is: he might not be wrong!
This was really fun to go through. Revamping your team through THIS draft would not be ideal I don’t think. But honestly, I love all of these except I would find a way to get that unique psycho Hercules Mata’afa!! Go cougs
Who is the QB?
I remember the 2011 Seahawks. All the talent in the world. Still went 7-9 because they had no QB.
Do you see any chance for Prosise to be converted to wide receiver? He has proven to be too fragile to be a RB at this level. They might be losing a wide receiver in free agency.
You have to think for sure that it has to be an option. You just have to find a way to get him on the field and for more than 5 plays.
There’s a chance, but personally I think his greatest value is as a matchup nightmare out of the backfield against safeties or LBs. Putting him out wide all the time takes that away. He becomes a decent sized, decent speed WR with decent hands. (And less than decent health)
Like you say, maybe a chance. Richardson might leave, #88 is overrated, and probably gone anyway, and the 2017 rookies are, to say the least, unproven. Hard to build an offense without a dominant running game and without receiver depth behind Baldwin.
I think it’s more likely they would move McKissic to WR considering that was his natural position in college.
Prosise was a WR at Notre Dame and converted to RB due to injuries to teammates. His final season he played RB.
Yikes!! 49’rs spending money like drunken sailors on shore leave. I like Marsh as a 4th DE, ST guy, but unless he turns into a starter with 6-7 sacks, that is a lot for a guy who was cut by NE
DE Cassius Marsh’s two-year deal with the 49ers has a base value of $7.7M with $3.1M guaranteed. The max value of the deal (with incentives/escalators) is $12.7M.
Let the crazy season begin.
Fun question? Trade Earl to Dallas for their #19 pick, package that with our #18 pick and 2019 1st round pick, to Cleveland for their #1 pick and get Saquon Barkley. Would you do it?
Not for three R1 picks. No non-QB is that valuable, IMO.
I’d do it for two R1 picks though! (not next year’s R1 either, give we are already w/o our R2)
If teams trade up to land QBs and Barkley lasts till #4, then the trade chart value almost works out perfectly… (just dreamin’… 😉 )
#4 = 1800 pts.
#18 (900) + #19 (875) = 1775 pts.
I agree on the non QB. I just think he does not make it to pick 4. I feel Cleveland would want a round 1 pick in 2019 draft. I know its alot. I sure would be tempted though
absolutely not.
No.
Watching his highlights. I cant remember seeing anything like he does before.
Awesome!!
I’d be tempted to do a Ditka for him.
Ditka got fired and Williams got traded.
This was the most laughable article I have ever read in my entire life. Saints blogger saying they need to pluck Bobby Wagner from the “sinking” Seattle ship. The suggested a third and fifth rounder would do it. HAHAHAHA.
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2018/1/17/16898084/new-orleans-saints-nfl-football-seattle-seahawks-all-pro-linebacker-bobby-wagner-pro-bowl-trade
This article does make me wonder if people from other cities look at us this way.
People always think they know stuff. We dont even know what goes behind those doors at the VMAC. I know this much, they aint getting BWagz from us.
What a terrible article. The fact that he mentions Russell Wilson turning 30 as a detriment, because he was clearly in decline last season is enough for me to read no more.
Silly
To my mind the best thing to do with Sherman is keep him for 2018. Best case scenario Shaq really steps up next year and asserts himself as potential number 1 corner. Sherman leaves on good terms and gets to sign a good deal in free agency. No need for an extension and clears plenty in cap space. Hopefully get a 3rd round comp for him as well. Won’t be worth too much in a trade and is too valuable to cut IMO. One more year out of a potential hall of fame corner with a young man ready to assume his mantle the following year. 2019 Shaq is the number 1 and we find another young corner in 2019 draft or end of 2018s. Or even Mike Tyson steps up and shows something.
Agreed, unless someone comes knocking with an offer we can’t refuse. (not happening though)
Then you also get to see if he bounces back from injury and is worth extending or letting walk.
There are a few gems on this team where losing them would make the team worse. Here is a tentative list, others may not agree. Offense: Wilson, Baldwin, Duane Brown. Defense: Wagner, Wright, Thomas. Frank Clark.
Chancellor and Sherman not included because of injury uncertainty. Bennett not included because of all the penalties.
Other than the gems, everything should be on the block if it can make the team better. Of course, what a fan thinks may not be even close to what the Seahawks GM and coaches are thinking.
Having great corners on either side of the field is a great benefit – funnel everything inside and underneath to where Bobby and KJ are lurking. I hope we get three years of Griffin and Sherman together.
Pierre Desir is a FA again. I wouldn’t mind trying to bring him back. Personally, I thought he played really well in preseason.
Turns 28 in Sept. though. Maybe worth a spot at camp, but probably better to draft the next young wave for kick-step indoctrination…
I don’t disagree. Always need camp bodies. Especially ones that can hold down the fort for a bit til the young pups are ready.
What am I missing with Wadley? John Kelly’s play appears to be far better—and he’s much closer to Seattle’s preferred physical traits.
Also why do I have a feeling that Seattle rates Guice much higher than us? His tape is so violent.
Many draft folks think Guice is the clear second back in the class. I don’t see it – more like 4th or 5th for me. I like Wadley if you can get him in the 5th. Haven’t watched much of Kelly yet.
I would like to be excluded from the ‘us.’
2nd best back in this draft for me.
Your missing a back in Wadley that runs with his eyes and has elite vision. Explosive, quick feet. A runner that put his team on his back and was the entire offense. If he can carry a team in college he can carry a complimentary role at the next level. Forced just as many missed tackles as Saquon Barkley did.
John Kelly will be a good RB. The Florida game was very impressive. His balance through contact is outstanding. Kind of reminds me of Maurice Jones-Drew.
I thought of you Vol when I wrote this. You were excluded from “us”!
LOL. One of my favorite guys.
Spaking of. I’m trying to put together a ‘fave 5’ for this class. Overall I should say. Not just one position.
Would love that! Please share when you’re finished.
Definetly will.
I look forward to it. I am guessing Derwin James and Guice + 3 others.
That was a fun mock-draft Rob, plenty of action!
If the Seahawks don’t sign Paul Richardson would you take Courtland sutton? Adding a big receiver like him would make the loss of Jimmy way less painful to our red zone offense. Also what are some good options at line backer on day 2 to help out Bobby and k.j.?
Man, I love Jacksonville St DB Siran Neal.
He’s one of my favorite day 3 guys in this class. Really raw, but I gotta think defensive coaches would love to mold and shape him. Versatile guy too. Can play CB, S, and rover.
Another one, and I’ve seen him mentioned on here, is SD St’s Kam Kelly.
Only watched 2 games, trying to find more, plus what they showed at the SR. bowl, but I’m digging him. Long, physical, and 68 tackles from the CB position is incredible. Not to mention his 11 passes defended (3 picks, 8 PBU), and the fact he attacks the LOS with a lot of aggression.
Former HS QB, then switched him to a safety, and this year he was a CB.
I like Kelly. He seems like exactly the type of guy the Hawks would draft in Round #5 then bring to camp to see where he fits.
Has the 32.25 inch arms, but wing is only 74.25! 🙁
I like Kelly and Neal as a day tree pick.
THREE!!!
Seattle has 4 7th round picks?
Not really feeling BR Matt Millers 7 round mock either. Other than the fact he has us taking 2 RBs.
Seahawks:
1st- Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
4th- Josh Adams HB, ND
5th- Nick Gates, OT, Nebraska
5th- Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
5th- Skyler Phillips, OG, Idaho St.
7th- Tray Matthews, S, Auburn
7th- Ito Smith, HB, So. Miss
7th- Daurice Fountain, WR, N. Iowa
7th- Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska
The only picks I don,t mind are the guys in Rd #7
Fountain will never make it to the 7th round, just sayin….
from Greg Bell
As expected, no #Seahawks moves on NFL’s official transactions today. No Kam Chancellor release or retirement. He got his $6.8M in 2018 base pay fully guaranteed today and remains on the roster.
Miller gave us a she-house draft!!!!